2013 dodge dart Model Overview

With the new 2013 Dodge Dart, Dodge finally has itself a legitimate compact car offering to go against the likes of established players like the Civic, Corolla, and Focus among others. The new 2013 Dart is the first evidence of what a full Chrysler-Fiat collaboration can produce, and it’s an encouraging sign of things to come. But after driving the newly introduced sedan, it’s clear the Dart still has a ways to go.

Built on Alfa Romeo underpinnings, the Dart is available with three engine and transmission options, including the 160-hp 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine that also powers the Fiat 500 Abarth hot hatch. The Dart’s base engine is a 2.0-liter four cylinder that also puts out the same power figures. A six-speed manual is standard across the range, with either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed dual clutch automatic as options. The dual clutch gearbox was exactly a favorite in our five-way compact sedan comparison. “The dual-clutch transmission was jerky and often seemed confused in automatic mode, whether dicing in the city or carving a canyon. The only remedy was to manually shift using the gear stick, which delivered fairly quick and crisp shifts, though it upshifted automatically at redline.” Other things the Dart didn’t have going for it was its heavy weight around the corners. The biggest blow, though, was that it achieved the worst observed fuel economy.

Finishing in third ahead of the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra, but behind the Kia Forte and Mazda3, the Dart did have its highlights. “Also feature-rich was the Dart, with its massive touchscreen infotainment system and high-resolution, reconfigurable gauge display. We appreciated the clear, easy-to-use UConnect infotainment system.” The Dart comes loaded with tech and safety equipment not seen standard in this segment, such as knee airbags for both front occupants, and an instrument panel that’s modern and edgy.

What’s New for 2013

The 2013 Dart GT features a 2.4-liter I-4 that pumps up the volume to 184 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque. The higher-performance Dart GT also gets a number of standard luxury touches including exclusive heated Nappa leather seats, a heated steering wheel, an 8.4-inch touch screen, a 7-inch reconfigurable instrument panel display, and “racetrack” LED taillights. The Mopar ’13 Dart features a number of Mopar accessories, and 2013 Dart Special Edition packages bundle a number of popular features at a lower price.

Recalls

Recall ID#13V238000 - POWER TRAIN

Consequence

If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

2013-06-04

Description

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, through February 28, 2013 and equipped with a 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine and dual dry clutch transmission. These vehicles may experience an engine stall when the temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N32.

Units Affected

12872

Recall ID#13V124000 - PARKING BRAKE

Consequence

If the parking brake is inoperable, the vehicle could roll when parked increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

2013-04-03

Description

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured on November 27, 2012. Some vehicles may have been built with incorrect rear brake calipers, which could result in an inoperable parking brake.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began on April 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N21.

Units Affected

46

Recall ID#13V555000 - AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating SAB deployment, the SABs may fail to deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Recall Date

2013-11-06

Description

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured May 10, 2013, through August 24, 2013 and equipped with the Mopar 13 trim package. In the affected vehicles, the front seat mounted side airbags (SAB) may not have been properly installed into the seat.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the SAB installation and re-install them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N61.

If the transmission shifts into neutral, it can cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Recall Date

2015-08-25

Description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured February 24, 2012, to June 16, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience failure of the transmission control module (TCM), causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TCM and bracket, free of charge. Chrysler issued an interim notification to owners on October 14, 2015. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R42.

Units Affected

23564

Recall ID#15V800000 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Consequence

Internal damage to brake booster could result in a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

2015-11-25

Description

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured February 27, 2012 to January 23, 2014 and equipped with either a 2.0L or 2.4L engine. In affected vehicles, engine oil from the vacuum pump may seep into the brake booster, damaging a component within the brake booster.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster grommet for the presence of oil. If no oil is found, the vacuum tube assembly will be replaced. If oil is found, the vacuum pump, vacuum tube assembly, brake booster and master cylinder will be replaced. The recall began on May 9, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R63.

2013 Dodge Dart News and Reviews

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